The Forensic Examiner will assist in maintaining the program by providing emergency services for victims of sexual assault, including a complete forensic exam. The Forensic Examiner will work ...
The Forensic Examiner will assist in maintaining the program by providing emergency services for victims of sexual assault, including a complete forensic exam. The Forensic Examiner will work ...
Forensic Pathologist Assistant information
See Topeka, KS salary details
$12.12 - $17.77
5% of jobs
$17.77 - $23.42
7% of jobs
$23.42 - $29.07
5% of jobs
$29.07 - $34.72
6% of jobs
$35.07 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$34.72 - $40.37
9% of jobs
The median wage is $45.69 / hr.
$40.37 - $46.02
18% of jobs
$46.02 - $51.68
19% of jobs
$53.63 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$51.68 - $57.33
14% of jobs
$57.33 - $62.98
7% of jobs
$62.98 - $68.63
5% of jobs
$68.63 - $74.28
3% of jobs
$12
$45
$74
How much do forensic pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic pathologist assistant in Topeka, KS is $45.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.96 and $55.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a forensic pathologist assistant?
Forensic Pathologist Assistants are trained professionals who support forensic pathologists in the examination of bodies to determine the cause and manner of death, particularly in cases involving suspicious or unexplained circumstances. Their duties include assisting in autopsies, preparing and maintaining detailed reports, collecting and preserving evidence, and sometimes testifying in court. They work closely with law enforcement, medical examiners, and other forensic specialists to help provide critical information for legal investigations. These assistants require specialized education, typically a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by specific on-the-job training.
What does a forensic pathologist assistant do?
A forensic pathologist assistant assists during autopsies and criminal investigations by collecting specimens for analysis in a laboratory. In this career, you often collect and photograph evidence on-site. Your duties also involve careful and thorough documentation to preserve the chain of evidence. You may work in the field, a morgue, or a laboratory setting. You are typically part of a team led by a medical examiner or coroner. Most forensic pathologist assistants find employment with local or state governments.
What skills and qualifications are needed to be a forensic pathologist assistant?
To thrive as a Forensic Pathologist Assistant, you need a solid background in biological sciences, experience in laboratory procedures, and typically an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with autopsy tools, laboratory instruments, and case management software is essential, and certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) can be beneficial. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to communicate findings clearly are vital soft skills for this role. These capabilities ensure accurate, efficient support for forensic pathologists and contribute to reliable medico-legal investigations.
What are common challenges faced by forensic pathologist assistants in their daily work?
Forensic pathologist assistants often encounter emotionally challenging situations due to frequent exposure to traumatic cases, including homicides and accidental deaths. They must maintain meticulous attention to detail while assisting with autopsies, documenting findings, and managing sensitive evidence. Additionally, the role requires strict adherence to legal and ethical guidelines, which can be demanding in high-pressure or time-sensitive environments. Strong communication and collaboration with pathologists, law enforcement, and other medical professionals are essential to ensure accuracy and integrity throughout the investigative process.
What is the difference between Forensic Pathologist Assistant vs Forensic Autopsy Technician?
| Aspect | Forensic Pathologist Assistant | Forensic Autopsy Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Associate degree, certification often preferred | High school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training |
| Work Environment | Medical examiner offices, morgues, labs | Morgues, medical examiner offices, forensic labs |
| Job Responsibilities | Assist in autopsies, prepare reports, support pathologists | Assist with specimen collection, prepare bodies, maintain equipment |
While both roles support forensic autopsies, Forensic Pathologist Assistants typically have formal education and assist pathologists directly, whereas Forensic Autopsy Technicians focus on specimen handling and body preparation with less formal education.
Is it worth becoming a forensic pathologist assistant?
A forensic pathologist assistant supports medical examiners by preparing bodies, documenting findings, and assisting with autopsies, often requiring a relevant degree and certification. The role offers steady employment in forensic laboratories or medical examiner offices, with opportunities for specialization and advancement. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in forensic science and pathology, but it involves exposure to potentially disturbing scenes and irregular hours.
More about Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs
What job categories do people searching Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Topeka, KS look for?
The top searched job categories for Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Topeka, KS are:
Forensic Examiner - Emergency Dept Administration - PRN
Topeka, KS • On-site
Stormont Vail Health •
Health Care and Social Assistance • 5 - 10K employees5,001 - 10,000 employees
6.0
Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
751st of 893 rated healthcare providers
People enjoy working here
Recommended by students
Respectful managers
Per diem
Posted 7 days ago
Job description
Position Status:
Shift:
Other (United States of America)
Hours per week:
0
Job Information
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
A Brief Overview
The Forensic Examiner is a Registered Nurse, Advanced Practice Nurse, or Physicians Assistant employed by Stormont Vail Health reporting to the Clinical Nurse Leader and Director of the Emergency Department. The Forensic Examiner will assist in maintaining the program by providing emergency services for victims of sexual assault, including a complete forensic exam. The Forensic Examiner will work collaboratively with and serve as a resource to appropriate law enforcement agencies, community advocacy groups, media, and legal staff to assure program principles are followed. Forensic Examiner's will implement and monitor performance improvement measures when appropriate. The delivery of professional nursing care at Stormont Vail Health is guided by Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring and the theory of Shared governance, both of which are congruent with the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
Education Qualifications
Experience Qualifications
Skills and Abilities
Licenses and Certifications
What you will do
Required for All Jobs
Patient Facing Options
Remote Work Guidelines
Remote Work Capability
Scope
Physical Demands
Working Conditions
Stormont Vail is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to the philosophy and practice of providing equal opportunities for all employees and prospective employees, without regard to the following classifications: race, color, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, marital status, uniformed service, disability or genetic information. This applies to all aspects of employment practices including hiring, firing, pay, benefits, promotions, lateral movements, job training, and any other terms or conditions of employment.
Retaliation is prohibited against any person who files a claim of discrimination, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes an unlawful employment act based upon the above classifications.
Shift:
Other (United States of America)
Hours per week:
0
Job Information
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
A Brief Overview
The Forensic Examiner is a Registered Nurse, Advanced Practice Nurse, or Physicians Assistant employed by Stormont Vail Health reporting to the Clinical Nurse Leader and Director of the Emergency Department. The Forensic Examiner will assist in maintaining the program by providing emergency services for victims of sexual assault, including a complete forensic exam. The Forensic Examiner will work collaboratively with and serve as a resource to appropriate law enforcement agencies, community advocacy groups, media, and legal staff to assure program principles are followed. Forensic Examiner's will implement and monitor performance improvement measures when appropriate. The delivery of professional nursing care at Stormont Vail Health is guided by Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring and the theory of Shared governance, both of which are congruent with the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
Education Qualifications
- Must successfully complete Stormont Vail SANE orientation upon hire and maintain clinical competence as a SANE. Completes yearly SANE competencies as assigned. Required
- Bachelor's Degree Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) Preferred
Experience Qualifications
- 1 year Nursing experience. Required
Skills and Abilities
- Ability to concentrate and perform complex and variable mental efforts with emphasis on synthesis of information, written and oral communication. (Required proficiency)
Licenses and Certifications
- Registered Nurse - KSBN Required
What you will do
- Be able to explain the SANE/SART program and its role in the community. Contribute to professional growth and development of self and other SANE's. Provide information about the medical-legal exam and SANE/SART program to investigators, and prosecutors. Maintain contact with SANE leadership for at least one year after termination of contract and respond to any and all subpoenas for cases examined while employed as a SANE.
- Consult with hospital and law enforcement records department.
- Maintain equipment and supplies in examination room after use.
- Perform and document the forensic interview and assessment accurately per standards outlined in policy.
- Scan all legal paper documentation into electronic medical record. Testify in court about records as necessary.
- Maintain photo documentation separate from electronic medical record.
- Explain the health care system and nursing process as required.
- Review all policies and maintains competencies.
- Ensure development and periodic updates of written procedures and protocols.
- Consult with nurse examiners, officers and advocates.
- Ensure development and periodic updates of written procedures and protocols.
- Complete documentation in a timely manner (no later than 24 hours after exam).
- Must arrive to work timely, within 1 hour of notification when on call. Will sign up for minimum requirement of call shifts per month and holiday coverage per rotation.
- Delegates tasks and duties in the direction and coordination of health care team members, patient care, and department activities in accordance with the Kansas State Nurse Practice Act.
Required for All Jobs
- Complies with all policies, standards, mandatory training and requirements of Stormont Vail Health
- Performs other duties as assigned
Patient Facing Options
- Position is Patient Facing
Remote Work Guidelines
- Workspace is a quiet and distraction-free allowing the ability to comply with all security and privacy standards.
- Stable access to electricity and a minimum of 25mb upload and internet speed.
- Dedicate full attention to the job duties and communication with others during working hours.
- Adhere to break and attendance schedules agreed upon with supervisor.
- Abide by Stormont Vail's Remote Worker Policy and will review and acknowledge the Remote Work Agreement annually.
Remote Work Capability
- On-Site; No Remote
Scope
- No Supervisory Responsibility
- No Budget Responsibility
Physical Demands
- Balancing: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Carrying: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Climbing (Stairs): Rarely less than 1 hour
- Crawling: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Crouching: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Driving (Automatic): Rarely less than 1 hour
- Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Feeling: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Grasping (Fine Motor): Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Grasping (Gross Hand): Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Handling: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Hearing: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Kneeling: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Lifting: Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 50 lbs
- Operate Foot Controls: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Pulling: Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 50 lbs
- Pushing: Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 50 lbs
- Reaching (Forward): Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 50 lbs
- Reaching (Overhead): Rarely less than 1 hour up to 50 lbs
- Repetitive Motions: Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Sitting: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Standing: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Stooping: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Talking: Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Walking: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
Working Conditions
- Combative Patients: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Infectious Diseases: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Needle Stick: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Noise/Sounds: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Risk of Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids: Rarely less than 1 hour
Stormont Vail is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to the philosophy and practice of providing equal opportunities for all employees and prospective employees, without regard to the following classifications: race, color, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, marital status, uniformed service, disability or genetic information. This applies to all aspects of employment practices including hiring, firing, pay, benefits, promotions, lateral movements, job training, and any other terms or conditions of employment.
Retaliation is prohibited against any person who files a claim of discrimination, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes an unlawful employment act based upon the above classifications.
About Stormont Vail Health
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Health care and social assistance
Company size
5,001 - 10,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Topeka, KS, US
Year founded
1884
Website
What Stormont Vail Health employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
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